Author and registered dietician nutritionist Dawn Jackson Blatner joins John Williams to talk about the importance of enjoying things in moderation, why moving after a meal can help control your blood sugar, the best ways to wash your produce, why you shouldn’t rinse or clean your poultry (cooking is the food safety method), and what to know about forever chemicals in water. Dawn also answers all of your health and nutrition questions.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected].

The Mincing Rascals this week are John Williams of WGN Radio, Eric Zorn, publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, Austin Berg, Executive Director of the Chicago Policy Center and The Last Ward, and long-time Chicago journalist Cate Plys, publisher of Roseland, Chicago: 1972. This week the Rascals address the breaking news that conservative activist Charlie Kirk was shot at an event in Utah Valley University in Utah. The Rascals share their initial thoughts. Next, the Rascals discuss ‘Operation Midway Blitz,’ the Trump administration’s effort to ramp up federal immigration raids. The Rascals break down the latest immigration enforcement operations. This week, Chicago city crews cleared a homeless encampment in Legion Park. The Rascals discuss what should be done with these encampments and the unhoused people living in these conditions. Late last Friday, Mayor Brandon Johnson announced the new alderman of the 27th Ward would be Walter “Red” Burnett, the son of former 27th Ward Ald. Walter Burnett. Austin says Chicago is the only major city where the mayor directly appoints members of the City Council. Austin explains why this is anti-democratic. In other local news, downtown Alderman Brendan Reilly announced he would challenge Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. Do the Rascals think Reilly has a chance to oust Preckwinkle? It looks like Darren Bailey will take on Gov. JB Pritzker again in the 2026 Illinois governor race. How are the Rascals feeling about Bailey’s attempt to unseat Pritzker? Okay, attraction / distraction: Epstein birthday book. And finally, it’s time for red light, yellow light, green light. What are the Rascals recommending (or not recommending) this week?

Bob Bertog, president of Bertog Landscape Co. in Wheeling and a certified landscape professional with the National Association of Landscape Professionals, joins John Williams to answer all of your lawn and garden questions. Bob reminds us to not put your sprinkler away! Bob also says now is the time to do that core aeration.

Longtime Chicago radio veteran Harvey Wells, founder, Lower Tech Bills, talks to John about how he helps customers lower their internet, cell phone, and television costs. Harvey discusses what services you will need to have if you want to watch NFL games this year. Harvey also answers all of your tech questions. Request a FREE Tech Check by emailing Harvey at [email protected] or call/text 312.307.1700

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected].

Dr. Jeffrey Kopin, Chief Medical Officer for Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, joins John Williams to talk about Supertramp founder Rick Davies dying of complications of multiple myeloma, the latest guidance on COVID vaccine eligibility, and what to know about side effects from weight loss drugs.

Eric Zorn, Publisher of The Picayune Sentinel, joins John Williams to talk about the Bears wanting to move to Arlington Heights, his thoughts on President Trump’s ‘Chipocalypse Now’ post, CBS changing their editing policies, and JB Pritzker deflecting a question about using weight loss drugs.

Marc Ganis, sports business expert and President and Co-Founder of Sportscorp Ltd., joins John Williams to talk about the Bears making it official that their intention is to build a new stadium in Arlington Heights. Marc also explains why he think it’s a bad idea to build a domed stadium, and what he believes should happen to Soldier Field.

John Williams brings you another round of Speed Jokes. Keep sending yours to [email protected].